Saint Paul School of Theology

What Saint Paul School of Theology does

Saint Paul School of Theology is a private, non-profit United Methodist seminary founded in 1958 and headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, with a second campus on the grounds of Oklahoma City University in Oklahoma City. The institution delivers graduate theological education across four degree programs — Master of Divinity (79 credits), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (38 credits), Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and Doctor of Ministry (30 credits) — plus a United Methodist Course of Study School for Licensed Local Pastors and an Advanced Course of Study track for ordination-eligible elders. It is one of 13 seminaries approved by the University Senate of The United Methodist Church and holds dual accreditation from the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), with additional approvals from the Kansas Board of Regents, Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, and NC-SARA for distance education.

The technology stack is conventional SaaS-based: Moodle (LMS) for online classroom delivery, Populi as the Student Information System, Zoom for synchronous video, EBSCO Discovery Service and ATLA Religion Database for library research, Microsoft Outlook/Office 365 for communications, Stripe for payment processing, and DonorView for alumni giving and event management. The only AI-related capability is a free Grammarly subscription provided to students. The FLEX scheduling system combines online, hybrid, and on-campus modalities with FOCUS week intensives for community formation. Core partnerships anchor operations: Resurrection United Methodist Church hosts the Leawood campus and provides hands-on ministry training; Oklahoma City University hosts the Oklahoma campus and supports a 3+3 accelerated MDiv pathway; the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM) authorizes the Course of Study program.

Revenue is generated through three primary streams: per-credit tuition ($700/credit hour, MDiv at 79 credits) discounted 50% via the universal Each One, Reach One scholarship, technology/activity fees ($600-$75 per semester depending on credit load), Course of Study registration ($75) and tuition ($300) per course, plus one-time application ($50-$60), confirmation ($150), and graduation ($325) fees. Donations, planned giving, securities gifts, and endowment income supplement tuition through channels managed in DonorView. Go-to-market combines digital marketing, UM Conference referral pipelines (Great Plains, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa, Arkansas), on-campus and virtual visits, and a "Refer a Friend" program. Dr. Jay Simmons has served as President since January 1, 2024.

Name

Saint Paul School of Theology

Legal name

Saint Paul School of Theology

Website

https://spst.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Saint Paul School of Theology is a private, non-profit United Methodist seminary founded in 1958, headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, with a second campus in Oklahoma City. It delivers accredited graduate theological degrees and ordination-track programs to ministry leaders through online, hybrid, and on-campus formats.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Theological Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Seminaries (Graduate Theology & Ministry) (EDAHAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Denominational Theological Colleges (e.g., Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical) (EDAHAKAM), Campus Spiritual & Religious Life (EDALAHAI)

Keywords

• Theological education
• Seminary programs
• Graduate ministry degrees
• Online divinity education
• Ordination training

Headquarters

HQ city

Leawood

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Tuition and Fees: Degree-seeking students pay tuition per credit hour plus student infrastructure/technology fees and activity fees per semester. The Each One, Reach One scholarship provides 50% tuition discount for all admitted degree-seeking students.
2. Course of Study School: United Methodist Course of Study School for Licensed Local Pastors with registration fees ($75/course) and tuition ($300/course)
3. Donations and Endowments: One-time and recurring gifts, legacy/planned giving, securities/stock donations, and endowment gifts for scholarships and educational programs
4. Application and Graduation Fees: Application fees ($50 Master's, $60 DMin), confirmation fee ($150), graduation fee ($325/degree), and audit fees for non-degree students

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Saint Paul School of Theology is a United Methodist seminary offering graduate theological degrees and ministry training programs (Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Doctor of Ministry, UMC Course of Study School, and Advanced Course of Study). Programs are delivered on two campuses and online via FLEX scheduling, integrating contextual ministry education with Wesleyan-tradition academics.

Product overview

Saint Paul School of Theology is a United Methodist seminary offering a portfolio of graduate theology degrees and ministry training programs. The core offerings include the Master of Divinity (MDiv, 79 credits), Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM, 38 credits), Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin, 30 credits). These degree programs are delivered through flexible modalities including on-campus, fully online, and hybrid formats via the FLEX scheduling system. Supporting programs include the UMC Course of Study School for Licensed Local Pastors, the Advanced Course of Study for ordination preparation, and the Deacon Studies Program. Specialized offerings include the Pause/Play Center for Preachers, Three Plus Three accelerated degree partnership with Oklahoma City University, and Sacred Space weekly worship. MDiv students can specialize in Modern Worship Music, Social Justice and Advocacy, Women, Society and Church Studies, or Spirituality and Prophetic Leadership. All programs integrate contextual education with academic coursework.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Pause/Play Center for Preachers: A center focused on the soul of preachers, serving as both a sanctuary and wellspring of play for ministry leaders.

Products and services

• Master of Divinity (MDiv) A 79-credit professional ministry degree preparing leaders for pastoral ministry, chaplaincy, and religious leadership. Covers Bible, history, theology, language, and ministry skills with contextual education components for aspiring United Methodist pastors.
• Master of Arts in Christian Ministry (MACM) A 38-credit degree cultivating socially and culturally aware theological leaders for specialized ministry. Includes a UMC Studies specialization meeting academic requirements for United Methodist deacon ordination.
• Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) An academic degree designed for students pursuing doctoral studies or PhD programs, providing rigorous research and writing culminating in an interdisciplinary capstone project.
• Doctor of Ministry (DMin) A 30-credit professional doctorate focused on Spirituality, Innovation, and Adaptive Leadership. A 3-year program developing contemplative spirituality practices for change agents in church and society.
• FLEX (Flexible Learning Experience) Flexible scheduling modality combining online, on-campus, and hybrid course options, allowing students to customize learning format each semester with FOCUS week intensives for community building on either campus.
• UMC Course of Study School Continuing education program for United Methodist Licensed Local Pastors offering 20 courses across four semesters, covering foundational and functional ministry classes, with $75 per course registration fee and $300 per course tuition.
• Advanced Course of Study (ACOS) A 32-credit graduate theological program for local pastors meeting educational requirements for full conference membership and ordination as elder in the United Methodist Church.
• Deacon Studies Program Training pathway for United Methodist deacon ordination that prepares students for ministry of connection, compassion, and justice through MACM or MDiv degree paths with UMC Studies specialization.
• Pause/Play Center for Preachers A sanctuary and resource space dedicated to the spiritual well-being of preachers, offering ongoing support, community, and resources for sermon preparation and ministry.
• Three Plus Three Program Accelerated partnership with Oklahoma City University allowing students to complete bachelor's and Master of Divinity degrees in six years total, with a Kansas Wesleyan University variant offering a similar 3+3 pathway.
• Sacred Space Worship Weekly worship and spiritual formation gathering held Tuesdays at 11 AM CT via Zoom and in-person at both campuses, including music, liturgy, scripture, prayer, and weekly homilies or spiritual practices.
• Online Learning Platform Distance education delivery offering synchronous and asynchronous online courses, allowing students to take up to 8 online courses in the first two years with full MDiv available fully online.
• MDiv Specialization: Women, Society, and Church Studies An academic concentration exploring women's roles, feminist theology, and gender issues within ecclesiastical and societal contexts.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of students receive scholarship assistance
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Resurrection, A United Methodist ChurchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary campus location in Leawood, KS. Provides main campus facilities, IT services, and collaborative ministry training opportunities. Students benefit from hands-on experience at one of the largest United Methodist churches in the country.
• Oklahoma City UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBranch campus location on OCU grounds with student housing access, Dulaney-Browne Library access, and collaborative 3+3 Master of Divinity degree program. Students have access to university resources.
• Avila UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLibrary services partnership providing archive access for Saint Paul students in the Kansas City area.
• Kansas Wesleyan UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development Partner3+3 accelerated Master of Divinity degree program partnership allowing students to complete undergraduate and seminary education efficiently.
• General Board of Higher Education and Ministry (GBHEM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial UM Church body that developed and approves the Course of Study School program for Licensed Local Pastors. Saint Paul administers the program providing foundational and functional classes for ordained ministry.
• Association of Theological Schools (ATS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAccrediting body that provides specialized accreditation for Saint Paul's Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Christian Ministry, Master of Arts (Theological Studies), and Doctor of Ministry programs.
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional accrediting body that provides regional accreditation for Saint Paul's Master of Arts (Theological Studies) program and distance education offerings.
• Great Plains United Methodist ConferenceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorRegional conference partnership for student recruitment and ministry career placement. Provides scholarship opportunities through the Pass the Torch Scholarship/Loan Fund.
• Kansas City Association of Theological SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperative venture including Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Nazarene Theological Seminary for shared theological education resources.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/spst
• YouTubeyoutube.com/saintpaulschooloftheology
• Facebookfacebook.com/9427868830
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/saint-paul-school-of-theology
• Instagraminstagram.com/spst1958

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Saint Paul School of Theology